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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said his comments on the role of President Muhammadu Buhari in Boko Haram crisis was misrepresented.

Jonathan said this while responding to the backlash which trailed his speech at the book launch of former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lucky Irabor.

In a statement signed by Ikechukwu Eze, his spokesman, Jonathan said, ‘The attention of the Office of Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that Dr. Jonathan alleged that Boko Haram nominated the late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to represent them in dialogue with the Federal Government, and therefore this made him somehow complicit in the Boko Haram crisis.

‘We wish to make it abundantly clear that the former President’s comments were grossly misrepresented. At no time did Dr. Jonathan suggest, imply, or insinuate that President Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or that he supported the group in any form.

‘Dr. Jonathan’s remarks, made in the course of a broader discussion on Nigeria’s security challenges, were meant to illustrate the deviousness and manipulative strategies employed by Boko Haram in their early years.

‘His reference was to a well-documented episode when various individuals and factions falsely claimed to represent the terrorist group and purported to name prominent Nigerians as possible mediators: without those individuals’ knowledge or consent.

‘The point Dr. Jonathan sought to make was that Boko Haram, in its characteristic deceit, often invoked the names of respected public figures to sow confusion, exploit political divisions, and undermine public confidence in government. His comments were therefore an illustration of the group’s duplicity, not an accusation against the late former president or any individual for that matter.

‘The former president’s position was that if indeed Buhari was their choice negotiator, why didn’t Boko Haram expeditiously bring their evil terrorist agenda to an end when the retired General became president?

‘For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. Jonathan recognizes that President Muhammadu Buhari, like every patriotic Nigerian, stood firmly against terrorism and was himself a target of Boko Haram violence. Both men, during their respective tenures, shared a common commitment to restoring peace and stability to Nigeria.

‘The Office of the Former President therefore urges the public to disregard any misinterpretation of his remarks. Dr. Jonathan remains committed to peace, unity, and the strengthening of democratic values in Nigeria. He believes that the nation’s progress depends on a truthful understanding of its challenges, not on the distortion of facts for political or sensational purposes.’

The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has decried loss of talented staff to better opportunities within and outside the country.

Speaking at a press conference to mark the 63rd anniversary of the institution in Zaria, Prof. Ahmed lamented that aging infrastructure and poor renumeration have dampened staff motivation, noting how the University lost nearly 2,000 staff in the last five years.

He said currently, the institution is in dire need of a replacement and additional staff to strengthen its research and academic activities.

‘Presently, there is a particular programme run by the University whose staff are 95 percent professors.

‘This development may risk non-accreditation of the programme in subsequent time and result to shortage of mentees who will take over from the existing high caliber staff.’ he noted.

The Vice Chancellor, who identified funding constraint as a serious problem affecting institutional operation, said the situation has compressed capacity for infrastructure renovation, library acquisition and research support.

Prof Ahmed, however, highlighted the University’s plans to strengthen Distance Learning and contribute meaningfully to inclusive education.

‘We shall strengthen the Distance Learning Centre (DLC), the largest in Nigeria, to increase the pace at which education is taken to every home, ensuring that no family is left behind.

‘In this way, ABU will not only expand access but also contribute meaningfully to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs), especially in inclusive education and reducing inequality.’

The Vice Chancellor challenged alumni community of the University to give back to the institution through endorsement gifts, annual giving and generous donations to secure its future.

Prof Ahmed also applauded the commitment of the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu for its bold reforms across the economy and the education sector in the country.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the demolition of properties owned by Igbos in Lagos State, saying the exercise has brought pain at a time many Nigerians are struggling.

Speaking during the commissioning of projects in Aba, Abia state, Kalu urged the president to prevail on the Lagos state government to stop the demolitions and allow affected owners to regularise their documents.

‘Mr president, I also want to say that the destruction and demolition of the houses and offices of our brothers in Lagos makes our hearts bleed,’ Kalu said.

He appealled to the Lagos State government to continue to accommodate those yet to obtain their documents.

According to him, ‘For some of them who have not gotten the right documents, my plea to you is to appeal to the governor of Lagos state to keep accommodating our brothers.

‘Allow them to rectify their documents instead of destruction. Let them come into the room, find a way, and regularise some of these documents. It bleeds our hearts that houses are being destroyed in these hard times’, he added.

The Lagos State Government had recently demolished plazas at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo Local Government Area.

The exercise was carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, and the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.

Earlier in the week, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, visited the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) section of the market with lawmakers including Enyinnaya Abaribe and Victor Umeh.

Obi faulted the exercise, insisting that the structures had valid approvals.

But Lagos Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olumide Oluyinka, said the buildings lacked approvals and were unsafe.

He stressed that the demolition was not targeted at Igbo traders.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State.

President Tinubu was in Jos, Plateau State capital, on Saturday for the burial of Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

Reacting in a post on his official X handle on Saturday, Atiku described the visit as a political funeral which afforded the President an opportunity to ‘celebrate and make merry with his party elite.’

He said, ‘With large swathes of the country still under siege from unrelenting insecurity and thousands of innocent lives lost, it is deeply unfortunate that President Bola Tinubu has not, for once, found it worthy to visit any of the affected states to commiserate with the grieving citizens.

‘Today, however, the President suddenly remembered Plateau State, one of the most terrorized parts of the North Central, not to share in the people’s pain, but to attend a social event under the auspices of his party’s national chairman.’

Atiku also noted that the President’s decision to attend the event showed his lack of empathy for the victims of insecurity in some regions of the country.

‘It is a sad reflection of priorities and a glaring mockery of leadership that while families in Plateau continue to bury their loved ones, President Tinubu chose to grace a political funeral rather than stand with the people in their darkest hour.

‘Between the APC National Chairman and his President, what we witnessed today is a heartless exhibition of disregard for empathy, compassion, and the dignity of human life.

‘From Benue to Niger and most recently Kwara, the entire North Central region has endured some of the most horrific waves of violence in recent history. Yet, not once has the APC-led government deemed it necessary to physically stand by the victims or console their families.

‘Even when Tinubu made a symbolic visit to Benue State in June, he never bothered to set foot in Yelewata, the epicentre of the massacre. Instead, he ended his trip comfortably in Makurdi, turning his back on the people whose tears and blood still stain the soil.

‘Now again, he is in Plateau State, not to console the bereaved or reassure the broken, but to celebrate and make merry with his party elite while the people mourn.

‘The message could not be clearer: this is a President who would rather feast than feel-a leader who finds pleasure where the people find pain.

‘The Nigerian people are watching, and they will remember. -AA’

Iconic Open University officially announce the setting up of the Proposed University’s Study Campus in the heart of Lagos, as its southern headquarters in the Nigeria’s economic capital and the most vibrant commercial-hub city in Africa.

This is a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to bringing education closer to people – right where they are. As one of the fastest-growing universities, Lagos is indeed a melting pot of innovation, knowledge, and economy, and It is only befitting that Iconic University joins its landscape to offer quality, flexible, and nationally recognized education to people across the region and beyond.

Iconic Tower stands fit alongside other Nigeria’s famous business towers in the Lagos Island where the likes Union, UBA, WEMA and banks are headquartered. The Lagos Study Campus located within the Lagos Island, a central region that strategically link the mainland and other parts of islands. The facility stand still as an elegant tower, painted in the blue and white color signatures of the Iconic University as a beacon of knowledge, excellence, and innovation. This reflects focus on modernity, accessibility, and a streamlined academic experience to our students and prospective enrollees.

A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to suspend the enforcement of tinted glass permit against vehicle owners.

The judge also asked the police and the IGP to maintain the status quo and ‘respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter.’

The court issued the interim order in the suit no: FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 brought by Delta lawyer, John Aikpokpo-Martins against the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force.

Aikpokpo-Martins approached the court to challenge the legality of the new tinted permit enforcement with an interim order to forestall the enforcement.

The lead counsel to the applicant, Kunle Edun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who led the legal team for the petitioner, confirmed the development to journalists and noted that ‘the directive is a major step in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld while the substantive issues in the case are being determined.’

Before the order by the court, there were reports of police enforcement of the permit in different parts of the country. In Lagos, the police command had begun full enforcement of laws regulating the use of tinted glass on vehicles across the state.

The Lagos State police command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, announced the commencement of the exercise, adding that it is in line with directives of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun aimed to boost public safety, curb crime and ensure compliance with traffic laws.

Residents across several communities in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State have raised concern over a surge in deadly bandit attacks, which have led to killings, abductions, displacement and widespread fear.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, the leaders of the communities, led by Alhaji Adamu Haruna from Kebbe town, described the deteriorating security situation as dire, warning that lack of government intervention might push citizens to take the law into their own hands.

‘Our lives are in danger. They have taken our property, our livestock, and now they have started abducting people,’ Haruna lamented.

He added, ‘We’re no longer allowed to farm, and our belongings are being confiscated. People are getting desperate.’

According to residents, the attacks have become increasingly coordinated. In Dukura, a man was reportedly killed for resisting abduction.

‘In Dalijan, bandits drove away with herds of cattle, and later ambushed animals at a local watering point. The attackers moved through multiple communities including, Ingushi and Gwalli, leaving destruction in their wake before security forces could respond.

‘People are living in fear. These criminals are threatening to stop us from harvesting our crops.

‘There are another group called Lakurawa who everyone fears – their grip on the region is growing.’ Haruna added.

Tukur Muhammadu, a resident of Fakku, said the town was previously untouched, but that changed when bandits stormed the area, killing several and abducting over 30 residents.

‘They’ve scattered our communities and are demanding a ransom of tens of million naira,’ he said.

He added, ‘Seventeen towns in the Fakku axis are now deserted. We’ve appealed to the state government for help, but there has been no response.’

‘Farmers in Kucchi and surrounding villages are reportedly afraid to return to their fields, despite the fact that it is a harvesting season. Shops have been looted, and some owners remain in captivity.

‘So far, over ten people have been confirmed dead, and more than 500 livestock rustled in the ongoing attacks. With seventeen towns emptied of their residents, communities are calling urgently on state authorities to act.

‘If the government cannot provide food or money, the least we ask for is security,’ Muhammadu said.

When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), acknowledged the growing insecurity in the affected areas and assured residents that the government is taking the situation seriously.

‘We are fully aware of the developments, and the government is doing everything possible to restore peace in communities affected by banditry and other forms of security challenges,’ he said.

Col. Usman emphasized that efforts are ongoing to strengthen security operations and bring lasting stability to the region.

A tanker inferno in the wee-hours of Friday left one person injured and three vehicles burnt along the Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway in Ogun State.

It was gathered that the tanker carrying 30,000 litres of fuel fell on its side and spilled its content at the Abeokuta-Kobape-Siun-Sagamu/Interchange stretch of the highway.

The spokesman of Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, in a traffic alert, said the development resulted into a fire outbreak.

He blamed the crash on speeding and loss of control on the part of the driver.

Akinbiyi said, ‘The effect of the unfortunate incident also extended to the burning of a truck and tow vehicle along the roadside, as well as the destruction of a cable supplying electricity to Mowe and environs.’

Speaking with our correspondent, Akinbiyi confirmed that one woman sustained injury while trying to rescue her children near the inferno.

He said some properties were lost to the incident, but no one died.

Also, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun command, said no casualty was recorded in the incident.

The command, however, said the three vehicles involved in the incident were ‘burnt beyond recognition.’

The funeral programme of Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has turned political jamboree in Jos, the Plateau State capital, where the Church service is taking place at COCIN Headquarters.

This is in anticipation of President Bola Tinubu’s expected attendance at the Church service.

The situation has led to traffic restrictions due to political procession on the streets.

Earlier, the Plateau State Government had announced traffic diversions in Jos and Bukuru ahead of the President’s visit for the burial.

Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, in a statement on Friday, said the diversion was to allow smooth movement of the presidential convoy.

Party differences have also collapsed as supporters of both APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are having fanfare side by side, carrying banners with different inscriptions.

Women groups, youth groups and other party faithful are seen wearing party T-shirts, face caps, among others, and the Boys’ Brigade is also on hand with a street march backed by the band section.

At the church, the security is tight, with attendees required to show special passes earlier distributed to gain entry.

Some pastors were turned back at the door, with a few seen scuffling with security personnel.

Meanwhile, a throng of guests has already gathered at the Jos International Airport in Heipang to welcome President Tinubu, who is expected to touch down from Lagos.

President Bola Tinubu has said what God has ordained cannot be changed by any man.

The president said this at the funeral service of Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatda,

The event, which held on Saturday, was attended by Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alongside other governors, legislators, government functionaries and other dignitaries.

In his remarks, the President said the turnout of dignitaries showed the high regard people had for mama.

‘This gathering should remind us of the values that matter-unity, contentment, satisfaction, and productive leadership for our nation.’

‘To the clergy, I say thank you for your solemn message, for promoting peace, stability, and friendship. Hate is not an option for us. Love is what we must continue to preach-love for one another.

‘No one can change what God has ordained. His will and His promises are what truly matter. I was raised in a Muslim family, and my wife is a pastor who prays for me always. I believe deeply in the freedom of religion. We may differ in faith, but we pray to the same Almighty God, to whom we are all answerable.’

On his part, Mutfwang said the presence of the president meant so much not only to the Yilwatda family, but to the people of Plateau in general.

‘We are truly touched by this fatherly gesture. I must place on record that we, as a people, have enjoyed the love of the First Family. The Mother of the Nation, Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu, has spread her motherly wings of love over us twice both to commiserate with us and to encourage us as leaders to continue doing our best to restore peace to Plateau State, in keeping with our name as the Home of Peace and Tourism.’

‘Your Excellency, the visits that our dear mother of the Nation has paid to Plateau State have deeply touched the hearts of our people. At the appropriate time, we shall express our gratitude in a special way.

‘While we are grateful for the honour of your presence at this solemn occasion, we also look forward to welcoming you again soon, Mr. President. We would be delighted if you could visit Plateau State again in the near future to see for yourself the extent to which we have keyed into your Renewed Hope Agenda with the resources available to us,’ he said.